Hatching Plans: ALA's Big Ride Across America

[Reesha]

I test rode a Co-Motion Nor'Wester today and just love that smooth buttery ride. The frame they had was about two inches too long in the top tube, but I still enjoyed it. All set up that bike was $2800. Not bad, not bad!

[redrhodie]

I have a Soma Double Cross DC that I would tour on, if I had the chance. It could be built easily within your budget, I think the frame retails @ around $400. It's an excellent ride. Very buttery! It has rack braze ons, as well as disc brakes (the non-disc brake version is even less).

I feel like I'm constantly recommending this bike. I seriously love it.

[indysteel]

I saw some Soma's a few weeks ago. They are gorgeous bikes. If I needed yet another bike, I'd give them a serious look.

[Reesha]

I will look into it!

A couple of questions though:

For a supported ride like this, would you recommend:

Disc brakes or caliper brakes?
Fenders or no?

The co-motion will cost me probably $2800 providing I don't get to carried away with some of the options. I believe disc brakes would be an upgrade.

The Nor'Wester I test rode had SRAM apex 'double tap' shifters and to be honest I wasn't a fan. I have traditional brifters on my road bike and I really prefer those. I was also impressed by how light this bike was.

I am loving this color:

[Blueberry]

Those are very sweet bikes! DH and I came very close to getting them - and then decided on Lynskeys (which we love).

I don't think I'd do Disc brakes because of 1) weight and 2) field serviceability. We ride v brakes with koolstop salmons and no issues whatsoever stopping. I probably would put fenders on (or you could do the trick with the wingnuts and take them off and on if you have lots of dry days in a row). I think they carry your bags, yes? You could always stow them with your luggage. I wouldn't want to risk multiple days in a row with rain and no fenders, though.

Whatever your decide, enjoy!!

[redrhodie]

Reesha, that is gorgeous! Handmade in Oregon, you can't beat that. I'd stop my search.

As for brakes, it's a personal preference. I hate wet rim brakes more than anything. I hate that extra lag time I feel in stopping, and I always seem to pick up grit in the pads, which adds to the problem. So, I love my disc brakes because I like riding in the rain.

[Reesha]

Thanks for the feedback!

Any thoughts on 700 cc wheels? Recommendations for certain brands/set ups? I know I'll need a higher spoke count... not 36 necessarily as I won't be loaded. All wheel/tire recommendations are appreciated!

I was looking at Campy's ergo brifters and I'm wondering if it's worth it to do a bike with a full campy drive train for a bike that will see a lot of mileage. I don't personally have a lot of experience with campy, but it looks like a full groupset might set me back 800 bucks or so for something fairly utilitarian and a triple.

[Sky King]

As far as 700 cc. wheels, we use Mavic rims often and I suggest a spoke count of 32 with the cross 3 pattern, granted if you aren't planning to be loaded you could go down to 28 but this way you would be prepared for the future. I also tour with a dynamo hub because I love having a light and never having to worry about being caught somewhere after dark.
Tires - 700 X 28 - no narrower, Will be a way more comfortable ride than using a narrower tire and you aren't going to notice rolling resistance - regardless this is a tour not a bike race . We love the Schwalbe marathon - supreme or dureme should be sturdy enough, we also ride Panaracer TServ's - the Bike Hermit has ridden 1,000's of miles on those.
Brakes - without a load, I consider disc brakes an overkill. Fenders will work with Disc Brakes but it may take some finesse to attach correctly.
Fenders - but of course, SKS long boards are sharp and disc brake compatible, Tanaka and Honjo's are great too. Planet Bike Cascadia touring is another option. All based on what you want to spend and ease of install and removing.

Sounds like a terrific goal and a fantastic adventure! Oh and the co-motion is beautiful. I happen to have a 52 cm Rivendell Sam Hillborne in my garage that is a tad to long in the top tube for me if you were so inclined but I am also considering changing out the handlebars from drops to more upright position and making it my "adventure touring bike" I love my Bleriot and ride her all the time.